Chapter 2: The Final Selection

Ren stood at the entrance of Mount Fujikasane, the place where the demons captured by demon slayers were trapped.

It was the final selection, the ultimate test for aspiring demon slayers like Ren. With his unique Moon Breathing technique, he possessed the power to create chaotic crescent moons.

A skill only he could have as a human, as Kokushibou's blood somehow got in his system but it fused with him, not turning him into a demon but giving him an effective boost with no side effects.

As he stepped forward, he was greeted by two children who appeared to be around seven years old. One had white hair while the other had black hair, and they both looked alike, like twins.

They spoke in perfect synchrony, their voices blending into one harmonious sound. They looked like girls, but he could see that one of them is a boy.

"Welcome, brave slayers!" they chimed in unison. "Before you embark on your journey into the depths of the mountains, we congratulate you on reaching this stage. However, be warned that not all of you will survive. Demons, hungry for human flesh, await inside."

Ren nodded, his determination unwavering. He had trained tirelessly to face this moment. "I understand. I will give it my all to become a demon slayer."

With that resolve, Ren and the other aspiring demon slayers ventured into the treacherous mountains.

The demons lurked in every corner, ready to devour them, but Ren's Moon Breathing technique granted him the upper hand.

Ren trudged through the mountainous terrain, his silver-grey hair flowing behind him.

He had been one of the few remaining demon slayers, he was a formidable force against the demons that plagued Mount Fujikasane. With his katana in hand, he ventured deeper into the heart of the mountain, prepared to face more challenges.

As Ren continued his trek, he heard a low growl emanating from the shadows. The sound of shifting rocks filled the air, and a demon emerged, its twisted form striking fear into anyone who laid eyes upon it. Its scarred face contorted into a toothy grin as it spoke in a mocking tone.

"So, it seems we have a good meal here!" the demon hissed. "Think you can defeat me, little boy?"

Ren tightened his grip on his katana, taking a step forward. "I am Ren Aoki, and I am here to rid this world of demons like you."

The demon lunged, its claws swiping through the air with deadly precision. Ren dodged, his body moving with fluid grace. With a swift motion, he unleashed his Moon Breathing technique, the chaotic crescent blades slashing through the demon's flesh. It let out a tortured scream before dissolving into ash.

Another demon, more grotesque than the last, watched from afar. It crept closer, its slithering voice sending shivers down Ren's spine.

"You may have defeated that weakling, but can you handle me?" Hearing such confident tone in the voice of the demon, Ren immediately understood the demon was experienced.

Ren readied himself, his eyes locked on the approaching demon. "I won't let any demon stand in my way."

The demon lunged, its teeth gnashing together. Ren parried its attack, his katana clashing against its fangs.

He retaliated with a series of precise strikes, his chaotic crescent moons tearing through the demon's flesh. The battle was fierce, but Ren's determination burned brighter. With a final circular slash, he vanquished the demon, ending its malicious life.

As Ren faced more demons, each one more cunning and powerful than the last, he engaged in conversations, attempting to understand their motivations and origins.

Some demons were filled with darkness, their souls consumed by malevolence, while a small amount of them expressed regret for the choices they had made.

Ren listened, still with his guard up. His heart filled with compassion, but he knew that he must fulfill his duty as a demon slayer, that is to eradicate demons.

On the fourth day, as Ren fought against a particularly fearsome demon, it spoke with a tone of desperation. "Please... end this suffering... I can't bear it any longer..."

Ren paused, his katana inches away from the demon's throat. "Why do you ask me to end your suffering?"

The demon's eyes filled with tears. "Long ago, I was human. For reasons I cannot remember, I fell victim to darkness, and now I am trapped as a demon. I beg you, release me from this torment."

Ren's grip on his katana loosened. Was there truly no hope for redemption? Could he bring himself to end this demon's suffering? he gripped his katana tighter once more, steeling his resolve.

With a heavy heart, Ren spoke softly. "I will grant your request, but know that I will continue my mission to rid the world of demons. I hope that one day, no one will have to suffer as you have."

As Ren struck the final blow, releasing the demon from its eternal torment, he couldn't help but question the complexities of his role as a demon slayer. The lines between good and evil, redemption and damnation, blurred in the face of these battles.

Ren knew that his path would be challenging, but he remained resolute in his mission to protect humanity from the darkness that lurked within the demons.

With renewed determination, Ren pressed onward, prepared to face whatever demons awaited him next. He swiftly unleashed his techniques after techniques, each one more powerful than the last, eliminating the taunting demons with swift precision.

Dark Moon, Evening Palace... Pearl Flower Moongazing... Loathsome Moon, Chains... Solar Rings, Frostmoon... Moon Spirit Calamitous Eddy... Perpetual Night, Lonely Moon... Ren showcased his unique skills in an awe-inspiring display of moonlit power.

As the days passed, not all the slayers made it through, The demons proved to be formidable foes, letting none escape their hunger.

But Ren stood strong, his blade dripping with the blood of his fallen enemies.

His conversations with these tortured souls served as a constant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of his duty as a demon slayer.

After the final selection, only five of the twenty three people survived, Ren and the surviving slayers gathered to select the sunlight absorbing ore. This ore would be used to forge the swords that could slay demons, The twins congratulated them on their triumph and offered their support.

"Brave slayers, now it is time to take your measurements for your uniforms," Kiriya and Kuina instructed, stepping forward. "Select your ores and do not forget the crows that will aid you in your journey. The future lies in your hands."

With a simple clap of their hands, the twins summoned the crows, assigning them to each slayer before they explained the rank system of the corps. However, they did not offer any further assistance or move from their positions.

Their job was done, they stood watching, their eyes filled with nothing in particular, Ren couldn't get a read on these twins.

Ren and his peers followed the twins instructions, taking their measurements, selecting the ores, and receiving their assigned crows. They felt a sense of pride and purpose, ready to fulfill their duty as demon slayers.

Only Ren had decided to be a demon slayer, the others decided to join as kakushi, a group of people who help demon slayers but in the shadows, As he got ready to set off, he looked back at the twins, a sense of curiosity filled his heart.

Who were these enigmatic children? And what role did they play in the demon slayer corps?